Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken at Beaches Toronto

Everyone loves chicken! Well, for those that like chicken :-)  If you haven't been to Nando's yet you should definitely go for a visit. You will probably like chicken even more!

The unique Nando's experience is evident in the fun and lively space, as designed by STOA collective. You can see the design insight behind the project below.

"Every Nando’s location is unique, and with over 1200 open around the world it proves to be an exciting challenge for any designer to create a one-of-a-kind identity while still maintaining the Nando’s soul and brand.

We approached this restaurant project as an exploration of colour and pattern blocking along with interpretations of traditional African weaving techniques while reusing the raw identity of the envelope. To achieve this we kept the existing historical small village finishes of the space as an underlayer to the Nando’s hygge; raw brick walls and tin ceilings layered with vibrant South African personality.

Local collaborations with artists and fabricators, as well as the incorporation of South African-sourced art and products, enabled us to create a space with authenticity at the forefront, where wood is wood and leather is leather, and most importantly, craftsmanship and detail is cherished." - STOA

Squint Eyewear at Bayview Village

Squint Eyewear boutique in Bayview Village, interiors by Designstead.

Happy New Year 2018

As a look back at the past year, here is a sampling of what I was up to. Toronto is the proud home of many beautifully designed spaces. Some of these award-winning designs span the sectors from retail, corporate, residential, to public spaces and product design. I am honoured to craft photography artistically in our community. Best wishes for 2018 and may the year bring you success and bliss abundant!

Keep in touch with my blog at Stevie Rave On and check out my Pinterest page.

fonelab STC

fonelab store in the Scarborough Town Centre, interior design by Designstead.

Interface Toronto Showroom

Interface, carpet manufacturer and the leader in sustainability, has moved the Toronto Showroom into the QRC West, and is the first application for LEED V.4 project in Canada - green to the core as they are embracing the Mission Zero goal. The showroom design is part of the global look + feel where the use of materials is meant to be a backdrop to the floor which is the focus. The large spaces on the floor is not only for showcasing products but also to be used by clients and furniture vendors for mock-up and to view products in large scale. The showroom also functions as a flexible meeting and events space for the Architects +Designers community.

Being in a LEED Gold building, all the advanced environmental features are present - LED lighting with occupant sensors, raised floor with HVAC distribution, full height perimeter glazing with lightshelf to maximize daylight, and operable windows for fresh air. The building is also one of the most interesting architectural projects and innovative office tower in downtown Toronto. Go for a visit at the showroom and you will sure love the environment, design, and architecture - what a treat!

Simons Square One

La Maison Simons opened its first store in Ontario at the Square One Shopping Centre earlier in the spring. Ontarians can finally experience exciting and fun Simons stores along with the rest of Canada. Customers can now shop its fashion-forward and unique selections in person that cater to wide range of needs. Designed by figure3 and Lemay Michaud, fun design features include deconstructed loom with yarns can be experienced at the young girl's department twik. More design features can be found in the Canadian Interiors article.

Go for a visit, you will surely be greeted by a sense of wonder and top notch service by the unique Simons store experience.

NIKEiD sneaker shop for NBA All-Star in Toronto

NIKEiD Loft was converted into a special hub during the NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto to feature Best of Signature Collection and customization options for Sneaker lovers!You can find more details of the event with the links below. NIKEiD Best of Signature NIKEiD turns Sneaker Dreams to Reality

Leica Ring: Tsai 35mm Summilux

Here is a photography related non-photography entry. My favourite lens is now immortalized permanently as a ring.

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Some behind the scenes design process: it did involve photography with macro reproduction. I first photographed the lens at varied angles to overcome cylindrical deformation. I then pieced together the artwork into a flat shape in photoshop before taking it into illustrator to vectorize, clean up, create the depth of field lines and compose the final art for the production file.

The ring is made by my talented and creative friend and fellow OCA classmate Shannon at Cynosure Jewelry Design Studio.

tsai - signed at 35mm

Happy Shooting, everyone!

HANGAR9 at the First Canadian Place

HANGAR9, a high end womens fashion store with a personal shopping studio, interior design by Designstead.

Look out for SUITS season IV

Look out for my fine art abstract piece: "Still of my heart" in the SUITS season IV settings!

Coca-Cola headquarters

Coke's Canadian HQ relocation to downtown Toronto was a bold but welcomed move. The LEED project added 3 storeys to the existing Toronto Sun building in King east where established neighbourhood and transportation system supports an environmentally responsible development. The sun-lit and modern workspace designed by figure3 features a large interior atrium with centrally located meeting rooms and communal spaces. The highly adored outdoor patio connects with the warm and inviting lunchroom where it houses the fun and popular freestyle coke machine - you can mix your own drink. Large graphic portals connect workspaces and the central atrium where brand messages and company value envelops the viewers as they pass through them. I was commissioned to produce some of the contents for art canvases and portal graphics as seen here and here.

Coke is a very exciting project and people are happy to be there, when told about being the designers during the photo shoots, the reactions were always amazement and grattitude. You can sure feel the buzz in the space!